Numerous Projects Underway at
Mindrolling Lotus Garden

Prepared by: Mindrolling International News Staff
Published: 5 June 2012


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Winter ended early at Mindrolling Lotus Garden this year, and work on the land began in earnest with the first signs of spring. Under the direction of Jetsün Dechen Paldrön, Lotus Garden residents have been very busy with many different projects—clearing tangled shrubs and weeds, painting, assisting with construction of the new cabins, gardening, preparing the new Dharmashri building, and creating and caring for the new tree nursery.

Scraping the dockThe Pond

In late March, Lotus Garden residents spent an all-hands-on-deck workday clearing away the last large tangle of weeds and brush from the southwest slope that leads up to the pond from the lower field. A few weeks later, members of the Washington DC Study Group and residents sanded the docks on the pond and the bridge at the entrance to Lotus Garden in preparation for re-painting. On May 7th and 8th, all Lotus Garden residents worked intensively on the Buddha Park garden. View slideshow »

Clearing brushThe Juniper Tree Line

The Washington DC Study Group also helped Lotus Garden residents clear the line of juniper trees which runs along the side of the main road, from the entrance to the middle parking lot up to the Main House. Everyone worked very hard cutting away dead juniper branches, vines, weeds, and remnants of the old fence; dragging them away from the tree line; and hauling them to the Back 40—Lotus Garden’s most remote field—with the tractor and land truck. Now this newly manicured spot offers spacious views of the land and surrounding area and a great deal of precious shade. View slideshow »

Planning the Cirlce GardenThe Main House

Residents have also done a tremendous amount of work on the circular garden at the front of the Main House, which was cleared out then replanted with lilacs, English lavender, spiderwort, creeping thyme and crape myrtle. All of the other gardens around the Main House have been prepared for the season as well, and the front and back porches will be re-painted very soon. View slideshow »

Retreat cabin under constructionThe New Retreat Cabins

Dechen Gatsal’s two newest cabins will be complete in late May and mid June. Since last fall, Britton Bosarge and Chris Jarmon have been overseeing and coordinating the work of local tradesmen. This will bring the total number of working retreat cabins in Dechen Gatsal to six. Work on the seventh cabin is due to begin very soon. View slideshow »

 

Dharmashri buildingThe New Dharmashri Building

On May 3, the new, ready-made Dharmashri building arrived. Britton Bosarge and Chris Jarmon leveled the land near the entrance to the main shrine room in preparation for the delivery. Now work has begun to finish the interior. Lotus Garden residents have completed the electrical wiring and are now insulating the walls and ceiling and hanging drywall. View slideshow »

Young trees in the nurseryThe New Tree Nursery

Careful watch of the new trees and plants in Lotus Garden’s tree nursery continues since its planting on April 8. Worldwide sangha members and Lotus Garden residents have embraced this endeavor wholeheartedly. Each of the 142 trees acquired a sponsor in less than three days. View slideshow »

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